JANICE EATON: Company replaces wallpaper, fixes video

Malone Design from Atlanta, Ga., returned to Neosho last week after two years to replace vinyl wall paper in the Visitor Center that had shrunk and bubbled over time.

Malone Design from Atlanta, Ga., returned to Neosho last week after two years to replace vinyl wall paper in the Visitor Center that had shrunk and bubbled over time. Additionally, they repaired the video in the cave exhibit. This repair has been a long time coming. Now guests can select from four available videos to be watched inside the cave-like surroundings. Videos are "Hearrell Spring," "Rainbows of Neosho," "Ghosts of the Ozarks" (blind cave fish), and "The Story of Neosho."

• • •Sturgeon rearing building #2 is now on its way to being completely solar. Equipment has been inspected and tested and found to be fully functional and ready for aiding exceptional growth in our sturgeon production with substantial energy savings. Sturgeons reared at warmer temperatures are apt to mature faster. Our well water is at a steady 58 degrees, with the addition of solar collectors, well water will be heated to about 70 degrees. Hatchery staff has been fully trained in the new functions and maintenance of the solar equipment. After spawning in April, sturgeons will be relocated to the newly solar modified building. Salt was added to the water housing the sturgeons this week. Salt has a calming effect and aids in the overall well-being of the fish.

• • •Fliers/posters were sent out to over 90 VFW posts in the four state area announcing the upcoming Annual Veterans Fishing for Rainbows Derby.

• • •Many new nature gifts and fun toys have arrived in the gift shop/book store just in time for valentines and Easter baskets.

• • •Approximately 40 area Walmart store managers met in the Rainbow Room Friday. Six members of the Bella Vista Fly Tyers group toured Monday. Local visitors of the week were Bob and Anna Gibbs from Noel. Long distance visitors of the week were the Salisbury Family from Riverside, Mo.

Janice Eaton is the automation clerk at the Neosho National Fish Hatchery.